Catalysis: an old but new challenge for graphene-based materials

RADOVIC, L.; MORA, C.; SALGADO, A.:
Chinese Journal of Catalysis 35:6 (2014) 792-797.

DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(14)60130-3

Abstract

An assessment is offered regarding the progress made, and the remaining challenges, in the field of carbocatalysis. The fundamental principles that govern the preparation and performance of sp²-hybridized carbon materials in heterogeneous catalysis have been known for decades, and the level of understanding of key issues – especially the importance of textural and ion-exchange properties (i.e., surface area, pore size distribution, and proton transfer) – remains quite satisfactory. The opportunities for novel catalytic materials – especially graphene nanosheets and carbon nanotubes – are tremendous, especially when it comes to taking advantage of their structural order, such that electron transfer can be both better understood and controlled to enhance catalytic activity and selectivity.